Administrator tool of an electronic gaming system and method of processing gaming profiles controlled by the system

ABSTRACT

An electronic gaming system has a plurality of tables each having a plurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA&#39;s) spaced preferably about a table periphery so that a gaming player locates oneself in front of a respective EPIA to play a game. A computer-based controller of the system assigns any one of preferably a variety of games to any one table. The player is then free to choose what game he/she desires to play by picking a particular table. The gaming system has a host console that communicates with each EPIA via the controller for managerial control of the plurality of tables. A software-based administrator tool operates preferably through a user interface for the control of at least one gaming profile type by the deletion, editing and creation of various gaming rules.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 60/683,810, filed May 23, 2005, and U.S. Provisional PatentApplication (Ser. No. Not Available; Atty. Docket No. 60,667-091), bothof which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to an electronic gaming systemand method of operation and more particularly to an administrator toolof the system and method of creating and editing gaming profilescontrolled by the electronic gaming system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Gaming is an increasingly popular form of entertainment. Games,particularly, games of chance and skill where one or more players playand place wagers on a desired and/or predicted outcome can be played ina variety of ways and in a variety of places, including at a casino orother venue or on the Internet. Of the various forms of games that areavailable for play, many utilize playing cards. Of these, poker isarguably the most popular.

Traditionally, poker is played at a table with several players wageringpaper or coin money on a series of playing cards dealt from a deck offifty-two cards. This deck is comprised of four suits at thirteen cardsper suit. This form of poker requires a human dealer to coordinate thegame, including dealing, wagering, folding, and the like. In “social”card games, especially poker, the players take turns acting as thedealer, but in licensed commercial gaming establishments, such ascasinos, the dealer is typically a non-playing employee. Unfortunately,traditional poker is potentially prone to human dealer error. Moreover,human dealers in casino type establishments must be trained and paid asalary sufficient to retain them.

One alternative form of gaming, with particular reference to poker, hasflourished on the internet. Internet gaming has become quite successfulin that it provides many choices for the players. In particular,internet gaming is fast and convenient, with registration, betting andpayouts available from almost any computer with internet access and withpayments typically arranged via a credit card. Yet further, poker orother card games may also be provided by stand-alone machines similar toslot machines.

One major drawback of internet and stand-alone type games is the lack ofthe human element. Many people prefer to play poker against otherplayers face-to-face, because of the drama associated with “live”gaming. Undoubtedly, an elevated level of competition exists when peoplecompete directly against one another and face-to-face. In gamingestablishments, experienced players are trying to hone strategy and readother players' intentions through their movements and style of play tobe more competitive.

In U.S. Patent Application Publication Number US 2005/0090304 A1, filedSep. 13, 2004, and disclosed herein by reference in its entirety, anelectronic gaming system and method of displaying and obscuringelectronic playing cards is disclosed and assigned to the same assigneeof the present invention. Generally, this electronic gaming systemreplaces the human dealer with a computer capable of simulating the dealand simulating the playing cards via video displays. The system has aplurality of tables with each table having a plurality of electronicplayer interaction areas or stations (EPIA's). An individual interestedin playing a particular game can locate oneself in front of a particularstation of a table (or can be assigned) and upon logging-in, can playthe game.

Unfortunately, known gaming rules can not easily be altered, updated orcreated by qualified casino employees. For instance, rules related totiming parameters, jackpots and distribution, and other gamingparameters can not be easily changed to meet the changing demands andwants of a player, or to satisfy the interests of the casino.

The present invention is aimed at one or more of the problems set forthabove.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An electronic gaming system has a plurality of tables each having aplurality of electronic player interaction areas (EPIA's) spacedpreferably about a table periphery so that a gaming player locatesoneself in front of a respective EPIA to play a particular game. Acomputer-based controller of the system assigns any one of preferably avariety of games to any one table. The player is then free to choosewhat game he/she desires to play by picking a particular table. Thegaming system has a host console that communicates with each EPIA viathe controller for managerial control of the plurality of tables. Asoftware-based administrator tool operates preferably through a userinterface for the control of at least one gaming profile type by thedeletion, editing and creation of various gaming rules.

The software based administrator tool is displayed on the user interfaceand includes at least one gaming profile type. Preferably, the gamingprofile type has a timing profile heading, a jackpot profile heading anda game profile heading. Each heading is capable of providing a user withthe ability to create, edit and delete specific profile attributes ofany one of a plurality of games. Generally, the timing profile headingis associated with events in a game that are timed, and thus determineshow fast or how slow the game proceeds within the gaming system. Thejackpot profiles heading enables adjustment of various amounts of moneyor awards regarding jackpots, and the game profiles heading allows thecreation and saving of games each with unique parameters or gamingrules.

A method of operating the administrator tool for controlling theplurality of games includes selecting one of the plurality of gamingprofile headings displayed in an options field of the administratortool. Once the appropriate heading is selected, a unique profile of anyone of the profile headings can be chosen from a plurality of listsselectively displayed in an information field of the administrator toolfor editing, deletion, and generally creation.

Benefits and advantages of the present invention include an automatedelectronic gaming system that does not require a human dealer of cardsthat could be prone to mistakes and other human frailties such assickness. Yet another advantage is the ability to efficiently meet thechanging needs and daily demands often found on the gaming floor of acasino by handling and processing a wide array of games and relatedgaming profiles by selected users or casino employees havingpre-arranged security clearances.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated asthe same becomes better understood by reference to the followingdetailed description when considered in connection with the accompanyingdrawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a gaming system embodying thepresent invention and in a casino environment;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an electronic poker table of the gamingsystem;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the electronic poker table of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a front and back view of an electronic playing card;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of a player interface of an electronic playerinteraction area of the system with hole cards of the electronic playingcards hidden;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the player interface of FIG. 5 with the holecards revealed;

FIG. 7 is a partial block diagram of the gaming system associated withone poker table;

FIG. 8 is a partial block diagram of the gaming system associated with aplurality of poker tables;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the electronic player interaction areain a module form with headphones;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a modified electronic playerinteraction area embodied in a hand-held module with headphones;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of software components of the gaming system;

FIG. 12 is a simplified block diagram of the gaming system;

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the gaming system with a host console;

FIG. 14 is a flow diagram of a method of operating the gaming system;

FIG. 15 is a first table tab image displayed on a video screen of thehost console;

FIG. 16 is a second table tab image displayed on the video screen of thehost console;

FIG. 17 is a third table tab image displayed on the video screen of thehost console;

FIG. 18 is a fourth table tab image displayed on the video screen of thehost console;

FIG. 19 is a hand dialog displayed on the video screen of the hostconsole;

FIG. 20 is a minutes dialog displayed on the video screen of the hostconsole;

FIG. 21 is a fifth table tab image displayed on the video screen of thehost console;

FIG. 22 is a sixth table tab image displayed on the video screen of thehost console;

FIG. 23 is a seventh table tab image displayed on the video screen ofthe host console;

FIG. 24 is an eighth table tab image displayed on the video screen ofthe host console;

FIG. 25 is a first wait list tab image displayed on the video screen ofthe host console;

FIG. 26 is a ninth table tab image displayed on the video screen of thehost console;

FIG. 27 is an account number dialog displayed on the video screen of thehost console;

FIG. 28 is a time limit dialog displayed on the video screen of the hostconsole;

FIG. 29 is a tournament chop page image displayed on the video screen ofthe host console;

FIG. 30 is a first image display on a video system of an administratortool and displaying a timing profile;

FIG. 31 is a second image display of the timing profile;

FIG. 32 is a third image display of the timing profile;

FIG. 33 is a fourth image display of the timing profile;

FIG. 34 is a fifth image display of the timing profile;

FIG. 35 is a sixth image display of the timing profile;

FIG. 36 is a seventh image display of the timing profile;

FIG. 37 is a eighth image display of the timing profile;

FIG. 38 is a ninth image display of the timing profile;

FIG. 39 is a tenth image display of the timing profile;

FIG. 40 is an eleventh image display of the timing profile;

FIG. 41 is a first image display of a jackpot profile of theadministrator tool;

FIG. 42 is an image display of a create jackpot profile prompt of thejackpot profile;

FIG. 43 is a second image display of the jackpot profile;

FIG. 44 is a third image display of the jackpot profile having an updatejackpot profile prompt;

FIG. 45 is a fourth image display of the jackpot profile;

FIG. 46 is a fifth image display of the jackpot profile having a deleteconfirmation prompt;

FIG. 47 is a create game profile prompt of an image display of a gameprofile of the administrator tool;

FIG. 48 is a first image display of a game profile of the administratortool;

FIG. 49 is a first image display of an update game profile prompt of thegame profile;

FIG. 50 is a second image display of the game profile;

FIG. 51 is a third image display of the game profile;

FIG. 52 is a second image display of the update game profile prompt;

FIG. 53 is a fourth image display of the game profile;

FIG. 54 is a fifth image display of the game profile;

FIG. 55 is a sixth image display of the game profile;

FIG. 56 is a seventh image display of the game profile;

FIG. 57 is a first image display of a tournament game profile of thegame profile;

FIG. 58 is a first image display of a create blind structure prompt ofthe tournament game profile;

FIG. 59 is a second image display of the create blind prompt;

FIG. 60 is a second image display of the tournament game profile;

FIG. 61 is a first image display of a create payout structure prompt ofthe tournament game profile;

FIG. 62 is a second image display of the create payout structure prompt;

FIG. 63 is an image display of a ring game profile;

FIG. 64 is a first image display of a create rake structure prompt ofthe ring game profile; and

FIG. 65 is a second image display of the create rake structure prompt ofthe ring game profile.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION

In the illustrated embodiment and as best shown in FIGS. 1-4, anelectronic gaming system 10 and method of operation embodies the presentinvention. The system 10 utilizes electronic cards 76 or electronicchips and electronic playing cards 76 to provide an automated card gamefor play by one or more players. It should be noted that the descriptionthat follows is directed towards a gaming system 10 which utilizeselectronic cards and chips (for wagering). However, the system 10 mayalso provide a non-wagering (without electronic chips) automated cardgame. Preferably, a human dealer is not required, thus the system 10handles all dealer functions. For the purposes of illustration, thesystem will be described as applied to an electronic poker game known asTexas Hold'em. However, the present invention is not limited to anyparticular card game.

I. The Game

Referring to FIGS. 3-6, in Texas Hold'em, each player at an electronicgaming or poker table 18 is electronically dealt a number of cards,e.g., two cards, face down. These are known as a player's “hole” cards28 and are generally placed directly in front of the respective players.A number of cards, e.g., three or five, are dealt face-up and displayedin a common display area 26. These are known as community or commoncards 30. A player's hand, thus, consists of the player's hole cards 28and the common cards 30. At the end of play of a particular hand,whichever player holds the highest poker hand is the winner of thatround or hand of poker.

The electronic playing cards 76 may be used in any sort of electroniccard game, and even in such games where the player chooses when toreveal their hole cards 28 to themselves or to the other players. Theelectronic poker tables 18 are preferably capable of playing any varietyof card games. Each card game, whether poker or otherwise, willgenerally have its own set of rules, including the number of cards, howthe cards are dealt, the number of betting rounds, the structure ofpermissible wagers, and the like. Thus, while the present invention maybe described below in the context of an electronic poker game (and morespecifically, with respect to a player's hole cards 28 in a Hold'emstyle poker game), the present invention is not limited to such a cardgame.

Furthermore, the poker or card game can be a timed game wherein theplayers have a predetermined time period to complete each turn. Forexample, the players have a set period of one minute to complete eachturn. Furthermore, this period of time may vary; for instance, the firstturn may have a period of completion of one minute, while the secondturn may have a shorter or longer period of completion. During a givenbetting round, the players have a predetermined period of time to eitherfold, check, or make a wager. If no action is taken during thepredetermined time period, a default action is taken where the playerpreferably must fold or check. Generally, the time period for responseduring a betting round will decrease as the hand of the electronic pokergame progresses. Parameters, such as the predetermined time period foreach betting round may be automatically modified by the system 10.

More specific to the electronic playing cards 76, as best shown in FIG.4, each card has visual image or graphical representation of a frontside 76A and a back side 76B. The back side 76B of each card 76 has anidentical pattern or image such that the cards cannot be individuallyidentified with respect to any other card when viewing the back side76B. The electronic playing card 76 is typically one of a set or deck ofstandard playing cards. The deck may be a standard deck of fifty-twocards, with each card having an individual designation. The designationshave a first component being assigned values of two through ACE, and thesecond component being four groupings or suits (hearts, diamonds, clubs,spades). The value and suit of each card is indicated on the front side76A of each playing card 76.

In a traditional card game with physical cards, the player's hole cardsare dealt “face-down” so that they are not revealed to any other player.The dealt player must then discretely view their own hole cards withoutrevealing them to other players. To do this, the player typically liftsthe hole cards close to their bodies, fanning them out, and shieldingthem with their hands, so only the dealt player can see the front sideof their cards. Alternatively, the dealt player may leave the cards facedown on the table and lift one side or corner revealing at least aportion of the front side, while shielding the cards with their hands.Similarly, and with electronic hole cards 28 of cards 76 (as best shownin FIGS. 5 and 6), lifting of the corners of the cards 28 can becomputer simulated upon a triggering event initiated by the respectiveplayer.

The image displayed on the back side 76B of the playing cards may be alogo, a random image (chosen from a set of predetermined images), or maybe advertising directed at the player. The image may include a video ora cycling through of a set of predetermined images. Alternatively, theimage may be selectable by either a player or an employee of a casino12.

II. The Casino

Referring to FIG. 1, the gaming system 10 is preferably situated in agaming environment, such as a casino 12. Typically, the casino 12 isdivided into specialized or designated areas such as a poker room orpoker area 14 each containing a plurality of tables 18, or five tablesas illustrated. The poker area 14 is often cordoned off by, for example,a railing 16. While the casino 12 is one example of an environment forthe gaming system 10, the present invention is not limited to any suchlocation or environment and may also include a generally virtual casinoenvironment and the like.

III. The Table

Referring to FIGS. 2-3, each table 18 has a table top 20 supported by atleast one base 42 at floor level, and a plurality of substantiallyvertical legs 44 projecting between the base 42 and the table top 20.The table top 20 includes a playing surface 22 and a plurality ofelectronic player interaction areas (EPIA) 24 for in-part the display ofthe respective hole cards 28. Each table 18 seats a plurality ofplayers, and for example and as illustrated, is preferably capable ofseating a maximum of ten players, hence, each table includes ten EPIA's24A-24J and ten chairs 40 (see FIG. 1). For the game of Texas Hold'em,the table top 20 also preferably includes one central or common displayarea (CDA) 26 for the display of the common cards 30.

Although the EPIA's 24 and CDA 26 are generally computer generatedvisual displays, thus authentic playing cards are not utilized, theelectronic poker tables of the gaming system 10 are aestheticallydesigned to convey and retain the overall sense and ambience of astandard poker room with non-electrical poker tables. The playingsurface area not taken up by the EPIA's 24 and the CDA 26 is preferablycovered in a traditional material such as felt having any variety ofcolors. Moreover, logos, game information, or other information may beprinted on the material. Alternatively, the EPIA's 24 and the CDA 26 isa single display that covers a substantial portion or all of the tabletop 20. The EPIA's 24 and the CDA 26 can be set apart from the rest ofthe table top 20 by virtual or computer generated borders. The areas ofthe display around the EPIA's 24 and the CDA 26 are preferably used tosimulate the playing surface 22 of a standard poker table by, forexample, providing an electronic image of a felt material. Furthermore,logos, game information, other information, advertisements,announcements, pictures, videos, or other information may be displayedand rotated, cycled, or shown for a limited period of time on the tabletop 20.

IV. Electronic Player interaction Areas

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5-6, each EPIA 24 has a player interface 54used to convey game information directly to a player assigned to therespective EPIA 24, and to effectuate interaction or input from theplayer to the system 10. Each EPIA 24 can be part of one large displaymonitor, such as a LCD or plasma monitor, that includes the CDA 26, orthe EPIA's preferably have separate and distinct monitors and computersnetworked together as required to play the game. The player interfaces54 can be implemented on the table top 20 or in a module 34 (see FIG.9). Alternatively, the player interface 54 may be implemented on ahand-held device 58, such as a personal data assistant (see FIG. 10).

With reference to FIGS. 2 and 5-6, the player interface 54 of the EPIA24 is preferably a touch-screen display. Each display 54 is preferablyhoused in respective modules 34. In one embodiment, each module 34incorporates a fully-functional computer (not shown) and is thus easilyremovable and replaced from the poker table 18. The computer includes aprocessor capable of running an operating system, such as Windows XP orWindows CE, both available from Microsoft Corporation of Redmond, Wash.Alternatively, the EPIA's 24 may be driven by one or more computers (notshown) located in the proximity of the table 18 with a server or servercomputer 50 or within the table 18.

a) Card Reader and Player Account:

Referring to FIG. 9, the module 34 preferably has a card reader 36 forreading a player tracking card (not shown). A player may log into thegaming system 10 through the EPIA 24 preferably by swiping the cardthrough the card reader 36. Additionally, the card reader 36 may beintegrated into the bezel (not shown) located around the module 34. TheEPIA 24 may also require entry of a personal identification number intoan attached keypad or virtual keypad displayed on the player interface54. Alternatively or in addition, the player may log-in using abiometric parameter, such as a fingerprint, sensed by a sensor and aRFID card or chip. Once a player's identity is established, the playercan access a preferably required player account and purchase chips usingan account balance communicated over a network. The player account mayhave an associated balance that contains a dollar amount based on anamount of money deposited by the player and/or any winnings that theyhave collected, either through poker or some other game. Additionally,information regarding the player's play at the table 18 may be trackedand recorded to the player's account.

In one aspect of the present invention, the gaming system 10 may utilizea cashless system, such as Ticket-In Ticket-Out (TITO), that isconstructed and arranged into each EPIA 24. Alternatively, a preferablybar-coded ticket, magnetic card, RFID card, or some other media jointlyreferred to as a TICKET) may be inserted in the EPIA 24. The TICKET mayhave an associated value that is either printed and/or encoded thereonor that is associated with the TICKET in the gaming system 10.Additionally, once the player decides to leave the table 18, anyremaining chips they have, may be instantly converted back into dollarsand stored in their player account and/or a new Ticket preferablygenerated at the table 18.

b) Controller

A controller that is either the module 34, the personal computer (notshown), the hand-held device 58, the server 50 or a combination thereof,controls the player interface 54 (i.e. controls the informationcomponents of the player interface 54), detects touches if the playerinterface 54 is a touch-screen display device, and interprets thetouches as trigger or touch events. The controller preferably controlsthe display device 54 including obscuring or hiding the player's holecards 28 such that the player may controllably display and view thecards, while maintaining them secret from the other players.

c) Visual Player Interface

Referring to FIGS. 5-6, preferably the player interface 54 includes agraphical representation 56 of a poker table. Each player in the pokergame is represented by a user graphic or icon 62 that lists their namesas well as their chip totals. The pot of the current hand may berepresented in the center of the poker table representation 56 bystack(s) of chips 64 and/or a number 66 representing the value of thecurrent pot. Each player's contribution to the pot may be represented bystack(s) of chips 68 and/or a number 70 adjacent their user graphic 62.

In one embodiment, not only is the EPIA 24 capable of controllablydisplaying and/or obscuring a player's hole cards, the EPIA 24 is alsocapable of providing an indication of the player's current highest handbased on the player's current hand and the common cards 30. The highesthand may be shown textually, e.g., two-pairs, and/or graphically,pictures of the five cards which make of the highest hand. The highesthand may be triggered and shown using the same trigger event associatedwith the hole cards 28. Alternatively, a separate trigger event, such asa touch-event on another location on the EPIA 24 may be used to show thehighest hand.

The player interface 54 preferably includes a series of player buttons72 and a series of game buttons 74. The player buttons 72 include, forexample, a sit-in button 72A, a leave table button 72B, and an optionsbutton 72C. Generally, only one of the sit in button 72A and the leavetable button 72B would be active at any time. The options button 72Callows the player to access an option menu or screen (not shown) thatallows the player to modify certain parameters of the player interface54, such as for example, to choose between different formats of theplayer interface 54 (i.e. graphical display or text display). The playerbuttons 72 are preferably implemented on the touch screen display 54, oralternatively, can be embodied in electromechanical switches or buttons(not shown).

Regarding the leave table button 72B, a player may decide to activatethis feature when the player decides to change seats or move to anothertable altogether. For example, if another player or players have leftthe table 18 leaving fewer players at the table and the player does notlike to play at a table with that few of players, the player may requestthrough the EPIA 24 another seat assignment.

The series of game buttons 74 allow the player to signal their game playdecisions to the gaming system 10 during the play of the game, and thuspreferably include a fold button 74A, a call button 74B and a raisebutton 74C. The game buttons 74 are active when it is a player's turn inthe poker game and preferably inactive when it is not. Moreover, theEPIA 24 only activates those buttons 74 that are appropriate, given therules of the game being played, during the current turn. For example, ifthe maximum number of raises for a particular game has already beenmade, then the wager or raise button would be inactive. The raise button74C may be replaced with one or more buttons (not shown) which allow theplayer to make a wager of a predetermined or allowed amount, e.g. $10.In addition or alternatively, a keypad (not shown) may be provided whichallows the player to key in a wager amount.

Preferably, the EPIA 24 provides a player with virtual buttons thatsummon or direct specific employees of the casino 12. For example theplayer may request a host/hostess to order a drink. Additionally, theplayer may anonymously request that an employee review something thatoccurred or is occurring at the table 18 (e.g. possible collusion).

Preferably, the player interface 54 also displays the common cards 30.Other information that can be displayed on the player interface include,but is not limited to, an indication (visual icon and/or audio) of theplayer whose turn it is to act, a total of chips for each player, anycards of the other players that are face-up, and/or messages to theplayer, such as advertising.

Moreover, in the casino 12 environment, preferably a portion of each potgoes to the house for running the poker game. This portion of the pot isknown as the rake and is preferably displayed on each EPIA 24. The rakemay be shown as an amount in dollars and may include a graphicalrepresentation of virtual chips. Similarly, the EPIA 24 preferablydisplays a graphical representation of the chips and/or a dollar amountindicative of the amount of chips each player at the table has remainingand the amount of the current pot.

In addition, or alternatively, to the common cards 30 displayed by theCDA 26, each EPIA preferably includes a graphical representation of thecommon cards in the middle of the graphical representation 56 of thepoker table 18. Graphical representations of the other player's card mayalso be shown (face-down during the current hand and face-up at the endof the hand). The common card 30 displayed in the graphicalrepresentation 56 are preferably smaller than the display of the holecards 28 for the player of the specific EPIA 24. The display of thecommon cards 30 in the CDA 26 are preferably larger than the display ofthe common cards 30 in the EPIA representation 56.

Other attributes of the EPIA's 24 may include:

-   -   utilization of Surface Acoustic Wave touch screen technology    -   utilization of Multi Touch touch screen technology    -   a secure process for returning a player to a game after missing        a number of blinds by pressing the button that temporarily        removes the player from the game    -   method to obscure player pre-selection of one or several bet        options (Poker is a sequential game. Situations exist where a        player will know what action they want to take prior to it being        there turn. Allowing the player to make that decision in advance        of their turn in a way that allows players seating close to        observe this action would provide an unfair advantage to some        players and not others. This feature allows a player to make a        pre-selection while observing his hole cards in such a way that        other players will not be able to observe that pre-selection.),    -   ability to display live and pre-recorded video, and    -   ability to replay a previous hand (may be limited to showing the        end result of the last hand and may only be available for a        short period of time).

d) Audio Player Interface:

Preferably, the EPIA 24 includes a player sound generation device thatgenerates sounds audible to the player assigned to the EPIA 24. Theplayer sound generation device may be implemented as an earpiece (60) orheadphones (see FIGS. 9 and 10) or one or more speakers. Player soundsare generally meant to be heard by a specific player alone and mayinclude a reminder or indication of a player's turn or if the game istimed, an indication of the time remaining or that time is running out,an audible signal indicating the player's hole cards 28 or the highesthand of the player or a winning percentage associated with the player'shand. The audio signals or sounds can be any series of beeps, chimes, asimulated voice, and the like.

e) Physical Structure of the EPIA:

As best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the modules 34 are removablymounted to the table top 20, and preferably such that the touch-screendisplay 54 is substantially parallel and flush with the playing surface22 of the table top 20. Moreover, the playing surface 22 of the tabletop 20 can be an overlay with selected cut-outs or openings for exposingthe player interface or touch-screen display 54. The overlay preferablycovers the outer edge of the display for aesthetic appearances.Moreover, the touch-screen display 54 can be mounted at an angle withrespect to the table top 20 and below the playing surface 22 thuspartially shielding the player's hole cards 28 from adjacent players.Similarly, the display 54 can be mounted at an angle with respect to andabove the table top 20 wherein the angle can be adjustable for playerviewing convenience.

V. Central Display Area and Audio

As best illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5-6, the CDA 26 is used to displayinformation such as common cards 30 for all players to see and is thuslocated further from the players than their respective EPIA's 24.Consequently, the display of the common cards 30 is preferably largerthan the display of the hole cards 28. That is, the hole cards 28 aredisplayed at a first predetermined ratio from the standard size playingcard, and the common cards 30 are displayed at a second predeterminedratio from the standard size playing card. Preferably, the first andsecond ratios may be defined such that the common cards 30 are displayedlarger than the hole cards 28. Alternatively, the first and secondratios can be the same.

As previously described, the CDA 26 is preferably separate from theplurality of EPIA's 24, and is implemented preferably utilizing a LCD orplasma monitor or similar device. The CDA 26 preferably indicates whichplayer's turn it is and which player is the designated “dealer” for thecurrent hand. These indications are provided by respective visualsignals such as an icon, arrow or the like, and/or an audio signal suchas a beep, musical tone, and/or voice message. This indication of aplayer's turn and dealer designation CDA 26 can also be in addition tothe indication provided on the respective EPIA 24. With audioindication, the CDA 26 can utilize integrated “transducer sound emittingtechnology” thus eliminating the need for separate speakers.

In other card games other than Texas Hold'em, common cards 30 may notexist, hence, during play of these games, the CDA 26 can be used todisplay advertising messages instead. The advertising messages may befrom the casino or third parties and may consist of graphics, pictures,animations, video and/or audio. The advertising may be presented atpredetermined locations on the central display 38 for varied durationsas the CDA cycles through a plurality of advertising messages.

In general, the CDA 26 is preferably capable of displaying and/oranimating:

-   -   blinds,    -   common cards 30,    -   bets placed and player chip stacks,    -   an indication of players who have folded and not folded,    -   winning hands,    -   wining hand percentage estimates in situations where all        remaining player hold cards are exposed, and    -   rake in dollars or virtual chips.

Preferably, the gaming table 18 includes a table or system soundgeneration device (as oppose to the player sound generation devicepreviously described) that is used to generate sounds audible to all theplayers. The table sound generation device may be implemented by one ormore speakers mounted to the table 18. Alternatively, the table soundgeneration device may include one or more speakers adjacent to orintegral with each EPIA 24 as previously described. For example, systemsounds may include sounds imitating the shuffling of cards, the dealingof cards, chips thrown into the pot, sounds related to the winning ofthe jackpot. Player sounds may include a reminder or indication of aplayer's turn or if the game is timed, an indication of the timeremaining or that time is running out. Generally, player exclusivesounds will not be played through the system sound generation device.

VI. Server Computer

As best illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8, each EPIA 24, in the illustratedembodiment, preferably includes a dedicated computer (not shown), andthe CDA 26 has a dedicated CDA computer 52. Both the EPIA computer andthe CDA computer 52 for any given table 18 communicate with the servercomputer 50 that preferably plays/controls the card game, and preferablyover an Ethernet network 48. The same server 50 communicates or isnetworked in a like manner to preferably all of the tables 18. Oneskilled in the art would now know that more than one EPIA 24 couldoperate off of one computer or that the computer 52 for the CDA 26 couldalso control the EPIA's 24 and/or replace the server 50 altogether.However, having a multitude of dedicated computers simplifies softwareand maintenance issues and due to the relatively inexpensive costs ofcomputers, reduces manufacturing costs of the gaming system 10.

The server 50 is preferably used to implement and facilitate playertracking, ticket in ticket out (cashless) wagering, assigning player'sto the seat 40 at a particular table 18, tournament play, table set-up(including turning the tables on and off and modifying tableparameters), and progressive jackpots. In general, the server 50 runsthe game wherein the server 50 electronically “shuffles” the playingcards, deals the cards, controls the players' turns, receives theplayer's inputs and acts accordingly; tracks, manages, and awards thepot, and tracks the rake. Game data is stored in a database preferablyof the server 50 with each input, wager, play, and the like stored inthe database. Other functions implemented by the server 50 are:

-   -   electronically shuffling the playing cards 76    -   dealing cards,    -   controlling players' turns,    -   receives the player's data input,    -   player tracking,    -   cashless wagering,    -   defining and modifying table parameters, including, turning the        tables 18 on and off, setting the poker game being played at the        table 18, setting wager parameters, and the like,    -   defining and managing jackpots, including the house percentage        or rake,    -   defining and managing progressive jackpots,    -   establishing and managing a queue for players and assigning        players to seats 40 and/or specific tables 18 from the queue,        and    -   establishing and managing tournament play, including assigning        player seats, collapsing tables, and the like.

In addition, other devices may be connected to the server 50 forproviding additional features and/or functions. For example, a queuingsystem can be provided utilizing its own dedicated computer. However, insome systems these additional features or function could be provided, atleast in part, by the server(s) 50.

VII. Host Console

With particular reference to FIGS. 7-8 and 13, the system 10 preferablyhas a host console 102 in electrical communication with the servercomputer 50 for configuring the EPIA's 24 and/or the CDA 26 and forestablishing parameters of the electronic poker game. Preferably, thehost console 102 is embodied in a separate computer, such as a personalcomputer, connected or networked (wired or wirelessly) to the servercomputer 50. The host console 102 may be integrated into a console, suchas a kiosk. The host console 102 may also be embodied in any type ofsuitable device, such as a handheld computer, a personal digitalassistant (PDA), notebook or laptop computer, or tablet computer.Preferably, the host console 102 provides interaction with a host orfloor manager of the casino 12 via a host interface 120 of the hostconsole 102 that is preferably a touch-screen similar to the playerinterface 54.

In general, the host console 102 is an administration device that can beused to create and edit game profiles including setting the game type,limits, play timing, and/or number of required players. The host console102 allows the host or casino employee to start, pause, and stop gamesand to monitor table play. Additional electronic tables 18 can beactivated or opened, and ring or tournament games (see below) can beeasily started. Preferably, the host console 102 provides the ability toturn any one or all of the poker tables 18 on and off by communicatingwith the EPIA computers and CDA computer 52 via the server 50.

The host console 102 may enable a casino employee or host to:

-   -   select or change one of the plurality of poker games to be        played on one or more of the electronic poker tables 18,    -   select the betting or wager structure to be used (For example,        the poker games may have one of a limit, no-limit, or pot-limit        wagering structure. The host console 102 enables the employee        set the wagering structure for a given electronic poker table        18.),    -   select or change other parameters of the electronic poker games,        including, but not limited to time parameters, wager limits,        amounts associated with a big blind and a little blind,    -   select whether the electronic poker game is a timed game or a        non-timed game,    -   modify the predetermined time period for each betting round in a        timed game,    -   monitor the number of drinks ordered by a player through the        EPIA 24,    -   add notes with information related to a specific player,    -   initiate a replay of a previous hand graphically, textually or        numerically,    -   lock out and remove one of the players from the electronic poker        table 18,    -   adjust the stack of electronic chips for one or more of the        players (Possibly for correcting any deficiencies and/or settle        any disputes with regard to operation of the electronic poker        table 18 or play of one of the other players).

Other functions may be provided by the host console 102. For example, asdiscussed above, players may be assigned to one of the EPIAs 24. Thesystem 10 may require that the assigned player log-in to the assignedEPIA 24. The system 10, possibly through the host console 102 or theserver computer 50 allows the host to define a trigger event based on aparticular player. The host console 102 may monitor the players who logon, and produce a signal if a designated player logs on. Thus, anemployee, in response to the signal is aware that the designated playeris currently located and playing at the respective EPIA 24.

The host console 102 is preferably used to monitor play at any one ofthe electronic poker tables 18 and establishes a value associated withthe rate of play of hands at the associated table 18. This may be doneby establishing when a hand of the electronic poker game is dealt andthe time a winner is determined and the pot awarded to the winner. Ifthe rate of play of hands is below a predetermined value, then theemployee via the host console 102 can be signaled via a message or alert(audio and/or visual) on the host console 102. In response, the host maywish to observe play at the electronic poker table 18.

Additionally, the host console 102 allows the casino host to pause playat one of the electronic poker tables 18, for example, to allow the hostto discuss any issues any of the players have with regard to theelectronic poker game and/or one of the other players. The employee mayre-start the electronic poker game when finished. In another aspect ofthe present invention, the host console 102 may allow the host torestart the electronic poker table 18 after a fault or fault condition.For example, the host console 102 may allow the host to restart theEPIA's 24 and/or the CDA 26. Additionally if the EPIA's 24 include aseparate computer or a separate computer is provided to drive thecentral display area 26, the host console 102 may be adapted to restartor reboot these computers.

Preferably, a player may create an alert to the host console 102 throughtheir EPIA 24. The alert may be anonymous, and is a request for the hostto come and observe a table 18. The alert appears on the host console102. If the alert is anonymous, there will be no indication of whichplayer created the alert on the host console 102. Preferably, the hostconsole 102 enables the host to “hibernate” a game. This may be used forexample, to pause a game until the next day. A hibernated game may bere-started at the same or any other table.

Referring to FIG. 15, the host console 102 is programmed with two mainsections referred to on the touch screen 120 of the host console 102 asa table tab 122 and a wait list tab 124. When activating or booting-upthe host console 102, or when the host selects the table tab 122 if theconsole is already activated, a default or home screen of the system 10generally depicts graphically the tables 18 as table representations 180(see FIG. 18). This depiction generally marks the beginning of all thetable pages 126 generally programmed under the table tab 122 option.Selection of the wait list tab 124 displays a wait list page 128 (seeFIG. 25). Each one of the pages 126, 128 on the touch-screen 120provides a multitude of options for the host to select. When selected,the home pages 126, 128 will generally change the display configurationproviding additional information for the host and often additionaloptions to choose from. For the sake of explanation, and although eachpage 126, 128 may have a multitude of screen displays, all the screendisplays with respect to the table tab 122 will be referred to as onecommon table page 126. Similarly, each screen with respect to the waitlist tab 124 will be referred to as one common wait list page 128.

With particular reference to FIG. 15, each table 18 may be selected anddiagnostic information and options are shown on the table page 126 thatincludes a table component list 130, a component parameter list 132, areset connection button 134, a restart software button 136, a rebootbutton 138, a calibrate screen button 140, a back button 142, and arefresh button 144. Because the table page 126 is preferably one of manyscreen displays linked to that illustrated in FIG. 15, the back andrefresh buttons 142, 144 provide the host with the ability to generallyscroll through various screen displays of the table page 126 such asthat also illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 17.

The table component list 130 includes a list of all components of theselected table 18, each personal computer 50 (i.e., the “Table Client”)and each module 34 (i.e., the individual seats). Table Client 2 is abackup to Table Client 1 and is optional. Selection of one of thecomponents of the table 18 in the table component list 130 displaysinformation regarding the selected component in the component parameterlist 132.

The table component list parameter list 132 preferably includes a:

-   -   1. Description Field (e.g., “Table 13, Seat 4”);    -   2. Client Type Field (e.g., Player or Table);    -   3. Client Status: (Active or Inactive);    -   4. Connection Status: (Connected or Disconnected);    -   5. Seat Number (where appropriate);    -   6. Seat Status (e.g., Open, Reserved, Active);    -   7. Player Name (when available); and,    -   8. Player Status (e.g., Active or In-Active).

The reset connection button 134 is active when the connection betweenthe server computer 50 and the component selected in the component list130 is disconnected. Selection of the reset connection button 134 may beused to “ping” the selected component and attempt to restart theconnection therebetween. The restart software button 136 may be used torestart the software on the selected component if the component isinactive. For example, either the client software or the operatingsoftware may be restarted, i.e., a soft reboot. The reboot hardwarebutton 138 may be used to restart the selected component, i.e., turn offthe selected component and turn the selected component back on.

Because the player interface 54 of the EPIA 24 is preferably atouch-screen display, it requires running of a calibration routine forfirst time use and periodic calibration routine re-runs thereafter. Theselection of the calibrate screen button 140 will run the calibrationroutine for the selected EPIA 24. Selection of the back button 142 willreturn the screen 120 to a previous state or view. Selection of therefresh button 144 will refresh all of the information contained on thecurrent screen.

The table page 126 also includes a stop/pause parameter selection area146, a move game button 148, a pause game button 150, a stop game button152, an auto deal check button 154, a closed seating check button 156, ause wait list check button 158, an information/status area, a pair ofnavigation buttons, and a clear alert button 164. The stop/pauseparameter selection area 146, located toward the lower left hand cornerof the screen, is used with either of the pause game button 150 or thestop game button 152 if the host wants to pause a game or electronictable 18 to make a change or perform some other function. The stop/pauseparameter selection area 146 includes the three options of “No Delay,”“Minutes,” and “Hands.” The game or table will be resumed when the hostis finished. A stopped game ends the play at the table typically at theend of the day.

In the lower right hand corner of the screen illustrated in FIG. 15, theauto deal check button 154, the closed seating check button 156, and theuse wait list check button 158 are used to turn on/off the correspondingfunction. The information/status area 160 provides additionalinformation about the selected component or a just completed action. Thenavigation buttons 162 may be used to cross between messages in theinformation/status area 160. The clear alert button 164 is used to clearalerts generated by players at their respective EPIA's 24A-24J.

Referring to FIG. 16, the table page 126 displays the game history of aselected table of the plurality of tables 18A-18J preferably displayedin a list 166. The list 166 includes a line item for each action thathas occurred on the selected table with a time stamp.

Referring to FIG. 17, the table page 126 also displays informationregarding the game being played at the selected table of the pluralityof tables 18A-18J. Preferably, the tables 18A-18J are used to provide avariety of electronic card games, such as poker, and the host console102 provides a list of the predefined or selected card games. Whenproviding game information, the table page 126 preferably has a generalsection 168, a game play section 170, a rake section 172, and a liveaction setting section 174. The general section 168 includes the currentgame and a description of the current game being played on the selectedtable of the plurality of tables 18A-18J and any other neededinformation associated with the current game. In FIG. 17, the selectedgame is “Limit Hold'em $1/$2”. The general section 168 includes: type,variation, stakes, and jackpots. The game play section 170 describesparameters that affect game play. In the illustrated embodiment, thegame play section 170 includes: maximum raises per hand, action timelimit, minimum number of players, and maximum number of players. Therake section 172 includes information regarding the current rake. Thelive action section 174 includes information regarding wagering. Forexample, the defined game is “Limit Hold'em $1/$2” and the live actionsection 174 includes information related to the blinds, permissiblewagers, and the minimum and maximum stakes allowed.

Referring to FIG. 18, the seven table representations 180A-180G of thetable page 126 is illustrated and preferably includes:

-   -   1. The name of the table shown;    -   2. The game being played at the table (e.g., Limit Hold'em $1/$2        or no game);    -   3. The number of hands being played per hour.

Each graphical table representation 180A-180G may also include thestatus of each EPIA 24, for example inactive (indicated by a red “X” ormarked as “No Game”), active, reserved or out. A reserved EPIA 24 orseat, means that it has been assigned to a player and can only be usedby that player. The player must log in to the reserved or assigned EPIA24 to begin playing. Typically, the player has a predetermined amount oftime to log-in to the assigned EPIA 24 or the seat 40 becomes availableagain.

Referring to FIG. 23 and more particularly to pausing and/or stopping agame via the host console 102, the stop/pause parameter selection area146 is used to select how the game will be stopped or paused. To do so,there are three options: “no delay,” “by minutes,” and “by hands.” If“no delay” is first selected, then if the pause button 150 or the stopgame button 152 is selected, the game is immediately paused or stopped,respectively. Once a game has been paused, the pause button 150 will bereplaced with a resume button 150′. Alternatively, if “by minutes” isselected, then a minute dialog 184 is displayed (see FIG. 20). Theminute dialog 184 allows the host to enter when the game will be pausedor stopped (in minutes) after the appropriate buttons are selected. Yetagain, if “by hands” is selected, then a hands dialog 186 is displayed(see FIG. 19). The hands dialog 186 allows the host to enter when thegame will be paused or stopped (in number of hands of play) after theappropriate buttons are selected.

As best illustrated in FIGS. 21 and 22, each table representation180A-180G of the tables 18 can generally be zoomed in upon to displayadditional or more particular information. The screen 120 has a zoombutton 188 and a second set of navigation buttons 190. With particularreference to FIG. 21, with the graphical table representations 180 beingdisplayed, a selected table is highlighted by a colored or yellowbanding 182. The navigation buttons 190 may be used to cycle or movethrough the table representations 180. To zoom in on a tablerepresentation 180 of a table 18, the host preferably double-clicks onthe desired table representation 180 or selects the zoom button 188 tozoom in on the selected table representation 180.

Referring to FIG. 22, once a table representation is zoomed in on, thetable page 126 displays a larger and more detailed graphical tablerepresentation or table enlargement 192. The table enlargement 192 has acentral information area 192A and a plurality of player informationareas 192B. The central information area 192A generally includesinformation about the actual table 18, which may include: tableidentifier, status, game type, pending status, average pot, hands perhour, average wait time to get a seat at the table, and a start time ofthe current game. The player information areas 192B generally includethe seat number, the status (reserved, occupied, etc.), player name(where appropriate), the player's stake, the player's wins/losses forthe current game, and the time player entered the current game.

Referring to FIG. 26, the table page 126 preferably includes a reserve(or reserve for player) button 194, a game info button 198, a historybutton 200 and a diagnostics button 202. Selection of the game infobutton 198, the history button 200, and the diagnostics button 202, willresult in game information, history information, and diagnosticsinformation being displayed. As shown in FIGS. 26-28, the table page 126may also include a reserve empty button 204, an unseat button 206, and apenalize button 208. The reserve empty button 204 may be used to reservea seat without designative a specific person. The unseat button 206 maybe used to remove a player. The penalize button 208 may be used toadjust a player's stack or otherwise penalize a player. An adjust potbutton 230 may be used to adjust the pot of the current hand.

The reserve button 194 allows the host via utilization of the hostconsole 102 to reserve a seat 40 for a specific player. In order to usethis button, the use wait list check box has to be off and therestricted seating check box has to checked. This allows the host toplace the specific player ahead of those players on the wait list, whilenot opening the seat 40 to anyone who may attempt to log-in or use theunoccupied seat. When the reserve button 194 is selected, an accountnumber dialog 210 is displayed (see FIG. 27). The account number dialog210 allows the host to enter the account number of the person for whomthey are reserving the seat 40. After the account number has beenentered, a time limit dialog 212 is shown. The time limit dialog 212(see FIG. 28) allows the host to designate how long the reservation willlast before the player logs into the EPIA 24 to secure the seat 40. Oncea seat has been reserved, the reservation and the player's name will bereflected at the corresponding graphical representation (see FIG. 26that shows seat 7 reserved for “Greg”).

Typically, a player who has left the table to take or break or for anyreason may return as long as they pay any missed blinds. However, theother players may want another player to sit in. The unseat button 206allows the host to remove a player from the table after the player hasleft their seat for an amount of time or a number of hands (withoutlogging out).

With particular reference to FIG. 24, the screen 120 includes a dropdown list 214. The drop down list 214 includes a list of all games whichmay be played on the tables 18. Selecting “all” on the drop down listwill display graphical representations of all of the tables 18.Selecting one of the games in the drop down list 214 will displaygraphical representations of only those tables which are playing thatselected game.

With particular reference to FIG. 25, the wait list page 128 includes aninformation section 216 for each type of game that may be played on thetables 18. Each information section 216 includes information related tothe game and the wait list for that game. In the illustrated embodiment,the information section includes:

-   -   1. the number of tables playing the game;    -   2. the number of players sat in a given interval; and,    -   3. the number of players in the queue (i.e., the wait list).

The information section 216 may also include a queue active check boxand an allow entry check box, which allow the employee to turn the waitlist on/off for given game and to allow/disallow additional players tobe added to the wait list for a given game, respectively.

With particular reference to FIG. 29, a tournament chop page 218 isillustrated which is used only during tournaments and allows the host tostop tournament play prematurely, i.e., before only one player is left,and split the remaining pot or table stakes. The tournament chop page218 includes a series of check boxes 220 that allow the host todesignate how the pot or jackpot will be split. In the illustratedembodiment, there are three options: split manually, split even, orsplit by table stakes. If split manually is chosen, the correspondingamounts are entered in a virtual key pad 222. The tournament chop page218 may also include a refund rake check box 224. A cancel button 225allows the employee to cancel the current operation and return to aprevious screen. A stop & chop now button 226 stops the currenttournament and splits the pot as designated.

Additional features of the host console 102 are described in thefollowing concurrently filed U.S. patent applications all of which areherein incorporated by reference in their entirety:

-   -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.        60,667-063);    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.        60,667-064);    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.        60,667-065);    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.        60,667-066);    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.        60,667-067); and    -   U.S. patent application Ser. No. N/A (Atty. Docket No.        60,667-068).

VIII. Administrator Tool

Referring to FIGS. 30-65, the gaming system 10 preferably has aadministrator tool 300 that is software based or a computer readablemedia and communicates with the host console 102 and server 50 forconfiguring the settings of the electronic poker tables 18 and games.The administrator tool 300 enables, for instance, a floor manager of thecasino 12 to conveniently and quickly adapt to the constant changes thatoccur within the poker room or area 14, because new games can becreated, configured and stored for easy access. Preferably, theadministrator tool 300 is accessed by selecting an administrator toolicon (not shown) from a dedicated computer with a dedicated interface,monitor, electronic tablet or screen 301 and preferably a mouse or touchscreen. Alternatively, the administrator tool 300 could be run from thegame computer 94 (see FIG. 12), the host console 102, or the severcomputer 50 (see FIG. 13). Access to the administrator tool icon ispreferably limited to a pre-approved floor manager or employee of thecasino 12 who may or may not be a host employee. This depends uponinternal security and operational procedures of the casino.

Referring generally to FIGS. 30 and 31, when the icon (not shown) isinitially selected, the administrator tool 300 displays three options orsettings designated as gaming profile types 302, table setup 304 andhost administration 306 in an option field 308 preferably at the left ofthe screen 301. The option field 308 is adjacent to an information field310 on the right and a tool bar 312 preferably toward the top of thescreen 301. By selecting a “+” symbol adjacent to gaming profile types302, the list is expanded and a plurality of profile types or headingsare displayed; they preferably are: timing profiles heading 314, jackpotprofile heading 316 and game profile heading 318. The timing profilesheading 314 is associated with events in a game that are timed, and thusdetermines how fast or how slow the game proceeds within the system 10.The jackpot profile heading 316 enables adjustment of various amounts ofmoney or awards regarding jackpots, and the game profiles heading 318allows the creation and saving of games each with unique parameters.

a) Timing Profile:

The timing profiles heading 314 functions to perform the following:

-   -   create new timing profiles,    -   edit an existing timing profile, and    -   delete a timing profile.

Referring to FIGS. 30-31, when the administrator tool 300 is used tocreate a new timing profile, the timing profiles heading 314 in theexpanded list under profile types 302 is first highlighted by the floormanager preferably without selecting the “+” symbol adjacent to thetiming profiles heading 314. Highlighting of the timing profiles heading314 causes the display of basic timing information 320 in theinformation field 310. The floor manager then selects a new icon 322 inthe tool bar 312 that causes a new timing key 324 to appear in theinformation field 310. Referring to FIG. 32, the “+” symbol adjacent tothe highlighted timing profiles heading 314 is then selected by thefloor manager that preferably reveals basic timing 326 and new timingkey 328 as sub-options under the timing profiles heading 314 in theoptions field 308. Similarly, the new timing key 328 is then highlightedand a “+” symbol adjacent to the highlighted new timing key 328 isselected by the floor manager. The administrator tool 300 thenautomatically reveals a sub-option identified as events 330. When thefloor manager selects events 330, an update value icon 333 appears inthe tool bar 312, and an event list 332 is displayed in the informationfield 310 (see FIG. 33) wherein a predetermined timing value is shownfor each uniquely identified event in the list 332.

To create new timing, the floor manager then selects an event from theevent list 332 for editing. Referring to FIG. 34, this selection causesan overlay window or time prompt 334 to appear for entry of the new timevalue preferably in seconds. After the new time is entered, the floormanager selects the “ok” box 336 and commits the change by selecting arefresh icon 338 in the tool bar 312. Referring to FIG. 35, by selectingthe refresh icon 338 the floor manager is prompted by the administratortool 300 to rename the event selected via an overlay window or nameprompt 340 that automatically appears with space provided to enter a newname. Once entered, the floor manager selects an “ok” box 342 of thename prompt 340 that completes the creation of a new timing profileprocess.

Referring to FIGS. 36-38, when the administrator tool 300 is used toedit a timing profile, the “+” symbol adjacent to profile types 302 isfirst selected by the floor manager. This causes the administrator toreveal the plurality of profile types or headings, which preferably arethe timing profiles heading 314, the jackpot profile heading 316 and thegame profile heading 318. The timing profiles heading 314 is thenhighlighted by the floor manager from the plurality of profile types 302and the adjacent “+” symbol is selected to reveal profile types orsub-options in the options field 308. These sub-options are preferablybasic timing 326, ring game timing 344, and tournament timing 346.Selection of the “+” symbol adjacent to the timing profiles heading 314also causes the administrator tool 300 to automatically reveal therespective display of basic timing information 320, ring game timing348, and tournament timing 350 in the information field 310. As anillustrative example, the floor manager then selects a “+” symboladjacent to the tournament timing 346 in the options field 308 thatreveals a subcategory events 352. When the floor manager highlights orselects events 352, the events list 332 appears in the information field310.

From the events list 352, the floor manager then selects the desiredevent for editing. Referring to FIG. 38 and as illustrated by example,the event identified “between split award” 354 is selected causing theadministrator tool 300 to reveal an overlay window or time prompt 356.The floor manager then enters the desired time in the available datafield 358 of the prompt 356 and when finished selects an “o.k.” box 360of the prompt 356. To commit the new changes, the floor manager thenselects the refresh icon 338 in the tool bar 312, thus completing theediting process.

Referring to FIGS. 39-40, when the administrator tool 300 is used todelete a timing profile, the “+” symbol adjacent to profile types 302 isfirst selected by the floor manager. This causes the administrator toreveal the plurality of profile types or headings, which preferably arethe timing profiles heading 314, the jackpot profile heading 316 and thegame profile heading 318. The timing profiles heading 314 is thenhighlighted by the floor manager from the plurality of profile types 302and the adjacent “+” symbol is selected to reveal the profile types orsub-options in the options field 308. These sub-options are preferablythe basic timing 326, the ring game timing 344, and the tournamenttiming 346.

From the options field 308 or from the information field 310, the floormanager, by way of illustrative example, then selects or highlights thering game timing 344 or 348. Once selected, the floor manager selectsthe delete icon 362 in the tool bar 312 causing the administrator tool300 to automatically reveal an overlay window or delete confirmationprompt 364 that requests confirmation of the selected deletion. Once thefloor manager confirms the deletion by selecting a “yes” box 366 in theprompt 364 the deletion process is completed.

b) Jackpot Profile:

The jackpot profile heading 316 can be added to any game profile andfurther functions to perform the following:

-   -   create a new jackpot profile,    -   edit an existing jackpot profile, and    -   delete a jackpot profile.

Referring to FIGS. 41-42, when the administrator tool 300 is used tocreate a new jackpot profile, the “+” symbol adjacent the profile types302 is selected and the jackpot profile heading 316 is selected orhighlighted from the subsequent drop-down list. Once highlighted, theadministrator automatically reveals a jackpot list 368 in theinformation field 310. The floor manager then selects the new icon 322in the tool bar 312 that causes a jackpot profile overlay window orjackpot prompt 370 to appear (see FIG. 42).

Preferably, the jackpot prompt 370 has the following fields for thefloor manager to enter data:

-   -   description field 372    -   minimum pot field 374    -   fee percent field 376    -   fee increment field 378    -   maximum fee field 380    -   fixed fee amount field 382    -   jackpot account field 384    -   payout amount field 386    -   jackpot rule field 388    -   minimum players field 390

The description field 372 assigns a name to the jackpot profile such asfor example “Royal Flush” or “Bad Beat.” The minimum pot field 374determines the minimum amount required in the pot before it is awarded,and assigns that amount in the space provided. If a casino fee isdesired, the fee percent field 376 takes a percent of each pot. If a feepercent is desired, the fee increment field 378 is used to enter anincremental fee amount preferably in dollars. Preferably, the feeincrement would match a chip value such as fifty cents or one dollar.The maximum fee field 380 sets a cap on the dollar amount taken out ofeach pot, if so desired. The fixed fee amount field 382 sets a specificcents or dollar amount fee for each pot. Use of field 382 alleviates useof fields 376, 378 and 380. The jackpot account field 384 is the name ofthe account where the funds established by field 376 or field 380 isdeposited. This field preferably has a default name of jackpot. Theminimum players field 390 sets the minimum number of players that mustbe playing for a jackpot to be awarded.

With the jackpot profile heading 316 chosen, each of the fields 372-390are listed as column headings 392 of the jackpot list 368 in theinformation field 310. When all applicable fields 372-390 of the prompt370 are filled in by the floor manager, an “o.k.” box 394 of the prompt370 is selected and the jackpot profile is then available for selectionwhen updating or creating a game profile.

Referring to FIGS. 43-44, when the administrator tool 300 is used toedit a jackpot profile, the “+” symbol adjacent to profile types 302 isfirst selected by the floor manager. This causes the administrator toreveal the plurality of profile types or headings, which preferably arethe timing profiles heading 314, the jackpot profile heading 316 and thegame profile heading 318. The jackpot profile heading 316 is thenhighlighted or selected by the floor manager from the plurality ofprofile types 302 in the options field 308. This selection causes theadministrator tool 300 to display the jackpot list 368 in theinformation field 310. From the jackpot list 368, the floor managerchooses the appropriate jackpot profile for editing.

Referring to FIG. 44 and by way of illustrative example, a ring bad beatjackpot profile 396 of the jackpot list 368 is selected by the floormanager. This selection causes the administrator tool 300 to display anupdate jackpot profile prompt 398 that preferably has the same fields372-390 as the create jackpot prompt 370 (see FIG. 42). When all desiredfields for editing are changed by the floor manager, the floor managerselects an “o.k.” box 400 of the prompt 398 thus completing the editingprocess of a jackpot profile.

Referring to FIGS. 45-46, when the administrator tool 300 is used todelete a jackpot profile, the “+” symbol adjacent to profile types 302is first selected by the floor manager. This causes the administratortool 300 to reveal the plurality of profile types or headings 314,316and 318. The jackpot profile heading 316 is then highlighted or selectedby the floor manager from the plurality of profile types 302 in theoptions field 308. This selection causes the administrator tool 300 todisplay the jackpot list 368 in the information field 310. From thejackpot list 368, the floor manager chooses the appropriate jackpotprofile for deletion.

From the information field 310, the floor manager, by way ofillustrative example, then selects or highlights the jackpot profileidentified as “ring bad beat” 396. Once selected, the floor managerselects the delete icon 362 in the tool bar 312 causing theadministrator tool 300 to automatically reveal an overlay window ordelete confirmation prompt 402 that requests confirmation of theselected deletion (see FIG. 46). Once the floor manager confirms thedeletion by selecting a “yes” box 404 in the prompt 402 the deletionprocess is completed.

c) Game Profiles:

Referring to FIGS. 47-48, the game profiles provides the floor managerwith the ability to create and save games with each game having a uniqueset of parameter. These parameters may include such setting as:

-   -   game type (ring or tournament)    -   stakes (limit or no limit)    -   betting requirements (small and big blind values)        For example, the floor manager can create two different game        profiles for Texas Hold'em with different small and big blind        values. A game profile is preferably assigned to an electronic        table 18 before starting the game with the specific game profile        at that table.

The game profiles heading 316 further functions to perform thefollowing:

-   -   create a new game profile,    -   edit an existing game profile,    -   clone an existing game profile, and    -   delete a game profile.

When the administrator tool 300 is used to create a new game profile,the game profiles heading 318 in the expanded list under profile types302 is first highlighted by the floor manager preferably withoutselecting the “+” symbol adjacent to the timing profiles heading 314.The floor manager then selects the new icon 322 in the tool bar 312 thatcauses a create game profile prompt 406 to appear (see FIG. 47).Preferably, the game prompt 406 has the following fields for the floormanager to enter data and make selections:

-   -   description field 408    -   game field 410    -   wait lists field 412    -   time out field 414    -   ring field 416    -   single table tournament field 418    -   multi-table tournament field 420    -   hi field 422    -   hi/low field 424    -   ante field 426    -   bring in field 428    -   small blind field 430    -   big blind field 432    -   small wager field 434    -   big wager field 436    -   limit field 438    -   pot limit field 440    -   no limit field 442    -   minimum stakes field 444    -   suggested field 446    -   maximum stakes field 448    -   maximum raises field 450    -   minimum rebuy field 452    -   minimum rejoin field 454    -   rejoin timeout field 456    -   minimum players field 458    -   maximum players field 460    -   time limit field 462    -   auto deal field 464    -   game timing field 466    -   zero balance timeout field 468    -   number of tables field 470    -   buy-in field 472    -   initial stakes field 474    -   increment field 476    -   unit field 478    -   rake account field 480    -   available jackpot profiles field 482    -   assigned jackpot profiles field 484

The description field 408 of prompt 406 enables the floor manager toenter the distinct name of any new game. Game field 410 allows entry ofa specific game such as for example Texas Hold'em. Selecting the checkbox of the wait lists field 412 activates the wait list feature of thesystem 10 for a particular game. Not selecting the wait lists field 412will cause the particular game not to appear on the waiting list of thesystem 10. Provided the waiting list field 412 is selected, the time outfield 414 enables entry of a time-out value preferably in minutes, whichprovides a prospective player that amount of time to log into the gamebefore the waiting list chooses the next available player. Selection ofthe ring field 416 as a type of game profile allows a game to becontinuous in the sense that it enables a revolving set of players.Selection of the single table tournament field 418 as a type of gameprofile restricts the game to a single table that has a finite set ofplayers. Each player may continue to play until the initial buy-in isdepleted and only one player remains in the game (i.e. the tournamentwinner). Selection of the multi-table tournament field 420 is similar tofield 418 but entails multiple tables. The hi field 422 allows the floormanager to choose the option where the highest hand in the game wins thepot. Selection of the hi/low field 424 is an alternative to the hi field422 wherein the player with the lowest hand preferably has a stake inthe pot.

With regards to betting requirements, the ante field 426 of the gameprompt 406 prescribes the amount posted by all players at the start of ahand. Preferably, this amount is entered in dollars. The bring-in field428 sets the minimum amount of money that a player must bring into thegame. The small blind field 430 is the minimum amount of money that theplayer immediately to the left of the dealer button must post at thebeginning of a hand. The big blind field 432 as an alternative to thesmall blind field 430, is the amount of money that the playerimmediately to the left of the dealer button must post at the beginningof a hand (i.e. no more and no less). The small and big wager fields434, 436 are the respective minimum and maximum amounts of money for anacceptable raise in betting.

With regards to stakes requirements, the limit field 438 sets a maximumlimit to betting in each round of game play. The pot limit field 440 ischosen to allow a betting structure that permits players to bet up tothe amount of the pot. The no limit field 442 is preferably analternative to fields 438, 440 and permits a player to wager any or allof their chips in one bet. The minimum and maximum stakes fields 444,448 allow entry of respective minimum and maximum amounts of money thata player must bring to the game. Fields 444, 448 are disabled if thetournament field 418 or 420 is selected. The suggested field 446 isoptional and suggests the amount of money that a player should bring toa game. Field 446 is disabled if tournament field 418 or 420 isselected. The maximum raises field 450 set the maximum number of raisespermitted per round of play. The minimum rebuy field 452 sets theminimum amount of money that a player must bring back into a game afterachieving a zero balance in the game and while still being seated andlogged into the game. The minimum rejoin field 454 set the minimumamount of money that a player must bring into a game to resume playafter the player has previously logged out. Preferably, the rejoinamount is the same as the minimum stakes amount. The rejoin timeoutfield 456 sets the minimum amount of time that a player must wait inorder to rejoin a game for less than what they left the game with.Preferably, field 456 has a default time of about sixty minutes.

With regards to game options, the minimum and maximum players fields458, 460 set the respective minimum and maximum number of players thatmust be present before a game can begin. Preferably, the maximum numberof players per table 18 for system 10 is about ten but can be decreasedby the floor manager. The time limit field 462 sets a time limit,preferably in seconds, within which a player must act before the system10 completes an action automatically. When selected, the auto deal field464 causes the system 10 to automatically deal each hand after the priorhand is complete. If not selected, the system will wait for an employeeor floor manager to manually select auto deal from the screen 120.Preferably, the auto deal field 464 is selected when creating a gameprofile because auto deal can be temporarily disabled utilizing thescreen 120. When selecting the game timing field 466, a drop down listis provided by the administrator that lists all of the available timingprofiles. From this list, the floor manager chooses a timing profile forthe game profile. The zero balance timeout field 468 provides a playerwith a specified amount of time after achieving a zero balance to rebuyinto the game. If the player does not rebuy into the game within thetime specified, the system 10 will automatically remove the player fromthe game. This time is preferably entered in seconds and the field 468generally acts to free up chairs that can otherwise be used by activeplayers.

With regards to tournament play, the number of tables field 470 sets thenumber of tables for a game profile during tournament play. Preferably,field 470 has a default setting of one table. The buy-in field 472allows entry of a dollar amount that a player must pay to enter thetournament. The initial stakes field 474 enables entry of an amount ofvirtual chips that a player receives for a tournament. The stakes arenot necessary equal to the buy-in amount. In tournaments, all playerswill preferably begin with the same amount of stakes or chips. Theincrement field 476 is dependent upon the unit field 478 and enablessetting of the amount of hands or elapsed minutes before the blinds areincreased by the system 10. The unit field 478 is associated with theincrement field 476 and when selected provides of drop-down list ofunits (i.e. number of hands, and minutes) for the floor manager tochoose from.

With regards to rakes and jackpots, the rake account field 480 allowsentry of an account in which the rake is deposited. As illustrated inFIG. 47, the current rake account is “houserake.” The available jackpotprofiles field 482 is preferably a scrolling list of available jackpotprofiles. One or more of these profiles can be selected by the floormanager and upon selection of arrow key 486 of the prompt 406, theselected jackpot profile(s) are eligible whenever the game profile isbeing played. The assigned jackpot profiles field 486 is a scrollinglist of jackpot profiles assigned to the game profile. Selection of anyone of the assigned jackpot profiles and selection of arrow key 488 willremove the selected, assigned, jackpot profile from the assigned jackpotprofiles field 486.

When all applicable fields 408-484 of the create game profile prompt 406are filled in by the floor manager, a “save” box 490 of the prompt 406is selected and the game profile is saved for future use.

Referring to FIGS. 48-49, the administrator tool 300 can edit a gameprofile at any time. However, any game profile changes preferably willnot affect a game being played at the time of the change. When theadministrator tool 300 is used to edit a game profile, the “+” symboladjacent to profile types 302 is first selected by the floor manager.This causes the administrator to reveal the plurality of profile typesor headings, which preferably are the timing profiles heading 314, thejackpot profile heading 316 and the game profile heading 318. The gamingprofiles heading 318 is then highlighted by the floor manager from theplurality of profile types 302 and the adjacent “+” symbol is selectedto reveal a listing of available game profiles 492 in the options field308. The game profile 492 that requires editing is then highlighted orselected causing each of the fields 408-484 as previously described forprompt 406 to be listed as column headings 494 in the information field310 and the parameters/data 496 of the selected game profile 492 toappear in the information field 310 below the associated column headings494.

When the floor manager selects an update icon 498 in the tool bar 312,an update game profile prompt 500 appears (see FIG. 49). Prompt 500 issubstantially the same as the previously described create game prompt406 (see FIG. 47), hence, like fields shall have the same identifyingnumerals. Once displayed, the floor manager makes the desired changes toany one of the fields 408-484. When finished, the floor manager selectsa “save” box 502 of the prompt 500 and the updated game profile can thenbe assigned to an electronic table 18.

Referring to FIGS. 50-53, cloning of a game profile is an efficient andrelatively simple means of creating a new game profile that closelyresembles a game profile that has previously been created. When theadministrator tool 300 is used to clone a game profile, the “+” symboladjacent to profile types 302 is first selected by the floor manager.This causes the administrator to reveal the plurality of profile typesor headings, which preferably are the timing profiles heading 314, thejackpot profile heading 316 and the game profile heading 318. The gamingprofiles heading 318 is then highlighted or selected by the floormanager revealing the listing of available game profiles 492 in theoptions field 308. The game profile 492 that requires cloning is thenhighlighted or selected causing each of the fields 408-484, previouslydescribed, to be listed as column headings 494 in the information field310 and the parameters/data 496 of the selected game profile 492 toappear in the information field 310 below the associated column headings494.

When the floor manager selects a clone icon 504 in the tool bar 312, theword “CLONE” is appended to the game profile name preferably in both theoption field 308 and the information field 310 as part of the data 496(see FIG. 51). As illustrated, the clone of the originally selected gameprofile 492 appears preferably at the bottom of the drop-down listing ofgame profiles and is highlighted. The selected game profile to be clonedremains in the listing, however, it is no longer highlighted by theadministrator tool 300.

To make changes to the game profile clone, the floor manager thenselects the update icon 498 in the tool bar 312 and the update gameprofile prompt 500 appears (see FIG. 52). Once displayed, the floormanager makes the desired changes to any one of the fields 408-484 (seeFIG. 47). When finished, the floor manager selects the “save” box 502 ofthe prompt 500 and the game profile clone appears in highlighted form inthe game profile listing with the new name preferably entered by thefloor manager into prompt 500 (see FIG. 53). For instance and asillustrated, the game profile name “Hold'Em $2/$2 (CLONE)” indescription field 408 of the prompt 500 has been changed by the floormanager to “jackpot Hold'em $2/$2” as appearing in FIG. 53.

Referring to FIGS. 54-55, when the administrator tool 300 is used todelete a game profile, the “+” symbol adjacent to profile types 302 isfirst selected by the floor manager. This causes the administrator tool300 to reveal the plurality of profile types or headings 314, 316 and318. The game profile heading 318 is then highlighted or selected by thefloor manager from the plurality of profile types 302 in the optionsfield 308. This selection causes the administrator tool 300 to displaythe drop-down listing of game profiles 492 in the options field 308.From the drop-down list, the floor manager then chooses the appropriategame profile 492 for deletion. Once selected, the floor manager selectsthe delete icon 362 in the tool bar 312 causing the administrator tool300 to automatically reveal a delete confirmation prompt 506 thatrequests confirmation of the selected deletion (see FIG. 55). Once thefloor manager confirms the deletion by selecting a “yes” box 508 in theconfirmation prompt 506 the deletion process is completed.

d) Tournament Game Profiles

Tournament game profiles are created generally as any other game profileis created and as previously described. As best shown in FIG. 47,selection of the single table tournament field 418 of create gameprofile prompt 406 designates a game profile as a tournament game.Generally from the option and information fields 308, 310 the floormanager may modify a tournament game profile in terms of creating:

-   -   a blind structure 510 (see FIGS. 57 and 58),    -   a payout structure 512 (see FIG. 62), and    -   a rake structure 514 (see FIG. 65, also applicable for ring game        profiles).

Blind structures 510 is a way of increasing blinds associated with thehand or minute increments previously entered in field 476 and field 478of the create game profile prompt 406 (see FIG. 47). Payout structures512 generally designate an amount or percent of money paid out toplayers at the end of a tournament and dependent upon their finalplacement with regards to the other tournament players. For instance, aplayer who wins first place will likely receive a greater award than aplayer who wins second place. The rake structure 514 preferably appliesto both tournament and ring game profiles and generally varies thepercent of a pot or percent of a buy-in dependent upon the pot size ortotal buy-in amount collected for a particular tournament.

Referring to FIGS. 56 and 57, when the administrator tool 300 is used tocreate a blind structure 510 for a tournament game profile 492, the “+”symbol adjacent to profile types 302 in the option field 308 is firstselected by the floor manager, then the “+” symbol adjacent to the gameprofiles heading 318 is selected. Selection of heading 318 causes thedrop-down listing of game profiles 492 to appear. The floor manager thenselects the tournament game profile to be modified. When the “+” symboladjacent to the tournament game profile is elected, the administratortool 300 reveals a drop-down listing that preferably lists optionalselections 516 for the blind structure 510, the payout structure 512(see FIG. 61) and the rake structure 514 (see FIG. 64).

Selection of the blind structure 510 of the selections 516 for aparticular tournament game profile 492 causes blind structureinformation to be listed in the information field 310. The floor managerthen selects the new icon 322 in the tool bar 312 that causes a createblind structure prompt 518 to appear (see FIG. 58). Preferably, theblind structure prompt 518 has the following fields for the floormanager to enter data:

-   -   level field 520,    -   ante field 522,    -   bring-in field 524,    -   small blind field 526,    -   big blind field 528,    -   small wager field 530, and    -   big wager field 532.

Fields 520-532 of the blind structure prompt 518 correspond to columnheadings 534 in the information field 310 when the blind structure inthe options field 308 is highlighted. In prompt 518, the floor managerenters an integer number representing the level being created in thelevel field 520. Then a money amounts are entered in the small and bigblind fields 526, 528. The amount for the smallest acceptable bet isentered into the small wager field 530 and the largest acceptable bet isentered into the big wager field 532 for that particular level in thelevel field 520. As illustrated in FIG. 59, an acceptable level is 1, anacceptable small blind is 50.00 (representing dollars), an acceptablebig blind is 100.00, and acceptable small wager is 100.00 and anacceptable big wager is 100.00. After selecting the “save” box 533 inthe prompt 518, this process is repeated for each blind structure 510that the floor manager wants to create.

Referring to FIGS. 56 and 60, when the administrator tool 300 is used tocreate a payout structure 512 for a tournament game profile 492, the “+”symbol adjacent to profile types 302 in the option field 308 is firstselected by the floor manager, then the “+” symbol adjacent to the gameprofiles heading 318 is selected. Selection of heading 318 causes thedrop-down listing of game profiles 492 to appear. The floor manager thenselects the tournament game profile to be modified. When the “+” symboladjacent to the tournament game profile is elected, the administratortool 300 reveals another drop-down listing that preferably lists theoptional selections 516 for the blind structure 510, the payoutstructure 512 and the rake structure 514.

Selection of the payout structure 512 of the selections 516 for aparticular tournament game profile 492 would cause payout structureinformation to be listed in the information field 310 if any exists atthe time (see FIGS. 56 and 60). The floor manager then selects the newicon 322 in the tool bar 312 that causes a create payout structureprompt 536 to appear (see FIG. 61). Preferably, the payout structureprompt 536 has the following fields for the floor manager to enter data:

-   -   place field 538,    -   percent field 540, and    -   amount field 542.

Fields 538-542 of the payout structure prompt 536 may correspond tocolumn headings (not shown) in the information field 310 if previouspayout records existed when the payout structure in the options field308 is highlighted. In prompt 536, the floor manager enters an integernumber representing the winning placement of the player in the placefield 520. For example, if there are only first and second place winnersthat are awarded money, then the floor manager would not enter a threewhich would designate a third place winner. As best illustrated in FIG.62, the floor manager enters a one designating the first place winnerthen selects the percent field 540 to enter the percent of a potreceived by the first place winner. The floor manager then selects a“save” box 544 of the prompt 536 to same the first place setting. Theprocess beginning with selecting the new icon 322 is repeated for eachplacement of winners (i.e. second place and so on).

Alternatively to a percentage of the pot, each placement of winnerscould win a pre-designated sum of money. This is done by selecting theamount field 542 of the payout structure prompt 536 instead of thepercent field 540. Preferably, once either the percent or amount fields540, 542 are selected for one placement, that field must apply to allwinning placements.

Referring to FIGS. 63-65, when the administrator tool 300 is used tocreate a rake structure 512 for a tournament or ring game profile 492,the “+” symbol adjacent to profile types 302 in the option field 308 isfirst selected by the floor manager, then the “+” symbol adjacent to thegame profiles heading 318 is selected. Selection of heading 318 causesthe drop-down listing of game profiles 492 to appear. The floor managerthen selects the tournament game profile to be modified. When the “+”symbol adjacent to a tournament game profile is selected, theadministrator tool 300 reveals another drop-down listing that preferablylists the optional selections 516 for the blind structure 510, thepayout structure 512, and the rake structure 514. When the “+” symboladjacent to a ring game profile is selected, the administrator tool 300reveals another drop-down listing that preferably lists only the rakestructure 514.

Selection of the rake structure 514 of the selections 516 for aparticular tournament or ring game profile 492 causes the listing ofrake structure information 546 in the information field 310 if anyexists at the time (see FIG. 64). The floor manager then selects the newicon 322 in the tool bar 312 that causes a create rake structure prompt548 to appear (see FIG. 64). Preferably, the rake structure prompt 548has a pot size field 550 and a rake amount field 552 for entry of databy the floor manager.

The pot size field 550 and the rake amount field 552 of the rakestructure prompt 548 preferably corresponds to column headings 554 inthe information field 31. For a tournament game profile, the floormanager enter the total buy-in amount for all the players into the potsize field 550. For a ring game profile and as illustrated in FIG. 65,the floor manager creates the rake structure for each increment of therake. For example, if the pot size is ten dollars, the rake may be onedollar, if the pot size is twenty dollars, the rake may be two dollars,and so on. The rake structure 514 depends then on the maximum, possiblepot size and/or the maximum amount raked.

For each rake increment of the ring game profile 492, the floor managerenters the pot size in the pot size field 550 of the rake structureprompt 548, then the amount to be raked is entered into the rake amountfield 552. As illustrated in FIG. 65 for example, the floor manager iscreating a ninth record or increment for a pot size of $55.50 and a rakeamount of $6.00. The floor manager then selects a “save” box 554 of therake structure prompt 548 to save the settings. The process is generallycompleted after this first iteration for tournament game profiles, andis repeated beginning with the selection of the new icon 322 for eachincrement of a ring game profile.

VIII. General Process and Software

With particular reference to FIG. 14, in another aspect of the presentinvention, a method 110 provides an electronic poker game to a pluralityof players on at the electronic poker table 18 using the host console102 and the server computer 50. In a first step 112, the host console102 preferably configures the EPIA's 24 and the central display area 26and establishes parameters of the electronic poker game. In a secondstep 114, the electronic poker game is administered by the servercomputer 50 using electronic cards and chips.

In operation, the gaming system 10 will implement a player-account basedcash in/cash out system. The system 10 will create a user account foreach player. Once an account is established for the player, the playeris issued a Player Card having an associated personal identificationnumber or PIN. Once the player has been issued a Player Card, theiraccount may be funded. The Player Card is used to identify the player atthe tables 18. The player may fund their account by bringing cash to acage, where the cash is accepted and credited to the player's account.Printed receipts are given to the player and maintained by the casino12. To bring electronic chips to the table 18, the player sits down at aseat 40, swipes their Player Card and enters their PIN. The system 10informs the player of their account balance and allows them to convertall or a portion of the account balance to electronic chips to bring tothe game.

From a software perspective, the gaming system 10 may be implementedusing six program groups: a table server, a game engine, a table client,a player client, a table manager, and a cage manager. The table serverimplements the network communication, control and authentication as wellas inter-table functions (seat reservations, multi-table tournaments).The game engine is responsible for all game functions, e.g., electronicplaying card deck generation, dealing, betting, determining winners andawarding pots. The table client is the graphical control for the CDA 26.The player client implements the user interface for the EPIA 24 and thelogic for capturing player input and communication the player input tothe table client server. The table manager contains the host interfacefor setting user, network, and game parameters, for starting, pausing,and stopping games, and for monitoring game activity and responding tosystem or user generated alerts. The cage manager provides the abilityto create and fund player accounts and to create the Player Cards.

If there are no seats 40 available, the player is placed in a queue,until a seat opens up. In one embodiment, players are taken off of thequeue and assigned a seat on a first come, first served basis. However,the system 10 may allow the casino 12 to implement special rules forplayers to bypass the queue or list. For example, the casino may presentvouchers to players under certain conditions, such as a win in atournament, to be placed at the head of a queue.

In one aspect of the present invention and as stated above, the system10 tracks each transaction, wager, card dealt in a database. The system10 also tracks the players which are playing at each table 18. Thisinformation is stored in the database, summarized, and may be presentedin any numerous forms of reporting formats. Any information regardingthe player's, the games, and how each hand is played may be tracked.This available data may also be analyzed for purposes of determining thefrequency of poker hands (per hour) for a table or all games in which aparticular player or players played or detecting, e.g., collusionbetween players.

The system 10 allows jackpots, i.e., progressive jackpots, to begenerated by and won across multiple hands and/or multiple tables. Aprogressive jackpot may increase based on the amounts wagered and/or wonat the included tables. The progressive jackpot may continue to increaseuntil won under a set of predetermined conditions. Alternatively, it maybe active until only for a predetermined time period. The conditions forwinning the jackpot that it is won by one or more players at the end ofthe time period.

The system 10 allows a progressive jackpot to be funded in multipleways. The way in which a progressive jackpot is funded may be fundedthrough a computer program application on the server 50 or other device.For example, the progressive jackpot may be funded by taking a setpercentage from every jackpot, every other jackpot, or every n^(th)jackpot. The amount of the progressive jackpot may be displayed on theCDA 26 and/or a remote display.

The progressive jackpot may be initiated randomly, under certaindefinable conditions, and/or for a specific event, i.e., a marketingevent. The progressive jackpot may be a single hand, a predeterminednumber of hands at one table or across multiple hands, for apredetermined time period, and the like.

Preferably, after a jackpot is won by a player, one or more governmentreporting forms may be presented to the player on their EPIA 24. Theform may accept the player's electronic signature (if permissible) ormay notify the player of the requirements and direct them to a locationwhere they can fill out the form. The device may be a personal,notebook, or tablet computer, handheld computer, PDA, or other suitabledevice.

IX. Tournament Play

The system 10 facilitates tournament play. In a tournament, apredetermined number of tables 18 having a predetermined number ofplayers are involved. A buy-in, e.g., $100 is required. Typically, aftera player loses all of their money, they are eliminated from thetournament.

Under predetermined rules, players may register for a tournament and beassigned to seats at a table. During play, under predetermined rules,tables may be broken down and the players distributed to other tables.The system 10 facilitates the tournament by providing one or more of thefollowing features:

-   -   a) registration    -   b) tracking tournament information    -   c) display of tournament information on central display and/or        remote display    -   d) tournament set-up, e.g., buy-in    -   e) re buy-in    -   f) tournament jackpot, cash or entry voucher for entry another        tournament (specific tournament or expiration date)    -   g) Process for breaking tables:        -   (1) message that table is breaking        -   (2) convey new seat assignment        -   (3) determination of breaking order        -   (4) display of breaking order    -   h) display information on status of other tables and players at        other tables    -   i) System to monitor and adjust hands per hour of an individual        table during a tournament: During a poker tournament it is        important that each table play roughly the same number of hands        per hour as all other tables. This can be accomplished by        pausing a game and/or slowing a game down with out pausing.    -   j) multi-site tournaments    -   k) system for automatically paying players tournament winnings        based on tournament pay tables and their final position in the        tournament    -   l) automatic posting of blinds and method to turn on and off of        automatic posting of blinds/missed blinds    -   m) method for automatically calculating allowed bet amounts in        pot-limit and no-limit betting structures    -   n) automatic varying of rake based upon number of players, time        of day, type of game and/or other criteria    -   o) ability to offer rake discounts to individual players    -   p) transferring a player from one seat to another at the same        table, or to another: Situations exist where are forced to        (“must move”) or desire to move seats. This feature provides        automatic notification and movement of player information from        one seat to another.    -   q) database and network architecture allowing single and        multi-site networking and management of a plurality of automated        poker    -   r) tracking and reporting of player statistics: Data and method        of display over the internet and/or other methods for player to        analyze their previous play statistics. In another embodiment        date and method of display is utilized to determine player        rankings for a given game and/or over a given time period    -   s) ability to view available tables and register for live tables        and/or tournaments via a remote connection such as the internet        or an automated voice response unit    -   t) options adjust speed of play(speed of card shuffling,        dealing, discarding, betting, etc.)    -   u) electronically transfer money from an account to the table    -   v) electronically transfer money to another    -   w) use of “cash card” to bring money to the table    -   x) ability for operator to view details of any and all tables    -   y) ability for operator to view details of any and all players

X. Virtual Gaming

In one aspect of the present invention, remote or virtual games may beprovided by the system 10. The remote or virtual games may be providedon wireless devices and may be played at predetermined locations.

Virtual games may also be provided through the EPIAs 24. For example,the virtual or remote games may be played by the poker players when itis not their turn. The virtual or remote games may be another pokerhand, played against other players, at the table or at other tables, orplayed against virtual players. Alternatively, the remote or virtualgames may be other types of games, including, but not limited toblackjack, keno, slot machines, and the like.

In addition to running other casino games on EPIA 24 or other terminals,system can be run on other gaming devices throughout the casino. Forexample, a virtual poker game can be run on an existing electronic bingoterminal or an electronic race book terminal.

XI. Alternative Embodiments

While the forms of the invention herein disclosed constitute presentlypreferred embodiments, many others are possible. It is not intended tomention all the possible equivalent forms or ramifications of theinvention. It is understood that the terms used herein are merelydescriptive rather than limiting, and that various changes can be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

1. An electronic gaming system for control of a plurality of games beingselectively played by a plurality of players, the system comprising: atleast one game table having a plurality of electronic player interactionareas for player communication and player input, wherein each one of theplurality of players is located adjacent to a respective one of theplurality of electronic player interaction areas; and a first computerbeing in communication with the plurality of electronic playerinteraction areas, the first computer having a user interface formanagerial control of the at least one game table; and a software basedadministrator tool operated through the user interface for the controlof at least one gaming profile type associated with at least gamingrules.
 2. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 1 wherein theuser interface is a touch-screen display.
 3. The electronic gamingsystem set forth in claim 2 wherein each one of the plurality ofelectronic player interaction areas has a second computer being incommunication with the first computer.
 4. The electronic gaming systemset forth in claim 1 further comprising the at least one gaming profiletype having a timing profile heading having a new timing key displayedon the user interface and for entering a time for at least one event ofa new game of the plurality of games.
 5. The electronic gaming systemset forth in claim 4 wherein the new timing key has an events sub-optionthat when selected lists a plurality of timing events specific to thenew game.
 6. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 5 furthercomprising a time prompt of the administrator tool displayed by the userinterface when any one of the plurality of timing events is selected. 7.The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 6 further comprising aname prompt of the administrator tool displayed by the user interfaceafter entry of a time in the time prompt for naming the new game.
 8. Theelectronic gaming system set forth in claim 1 wherein the timing profileheading has a plurality of sub-options each having a unique list oftiming events for editing.
 9. The electronic gaming system set forth inclaim 8 wherein the plurality of sub-options has a basic timing keysub-option, a ring game timing sub-option, and a tournament timingsub-option.
 10. The electronic gaming system set forth in 8 furthercomprising a delete icon of the administrator tool displayed on the userinterface for deleting a selected one of the plurality of sub-options ofthe timing profile heading.
 11. The electronic gaming system set forthin claim 1 further comprising the gaming profile type having a jackpotprofile heading having a jackpot profile prompt displayed on the userinterface and having a plurality of fields for entry of jackpotparameters.
 12. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 11wherein the plurality of fields has a description field and a minimumpot field.
 13. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 11wherein the jackpot profile heading is available for editing or creatinga game profile.
 14. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 1further comprising the gaming profile type having a jackpot profileheading having a jackpot list displayed selectively on the userinterface when the jackpot profile heading is selected.
 15. Theelectronic gaming system set forth in claim 14 further comprising anupdate jackpot profile prompt of the jackpot profile heading displayedon the user interface when any one of at least one unique jackpotprofile of the jackpot list is selected, the jackpot profile prompthaving a plurality of fields for entry of data related to monetaryparameters of the gaming rules.
 16. The electronic gaming system setforth in claim 14 further comprising a delete icon of the administratortool that when selected deletes a unique jackpot profile of the at leastone unique jackpot profile pre-selected from the jackpot list.
 17. Theelectronic gaming system set forth in claim 1 wherein the at least onegaming profile type has a game profile heading having settableparameters of the gaming rules including game type, stakes and bettingrequirements.
 18. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 1further comprising the at least one gaming profile type having a gameprofile heading displayed on the user interface for at least creating aunique new game profile, editing a unique existing game profile, anddeleting a unique existing game profile of the at least one game. 19.The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 1 further comprising:the at least one gaming type having a game profile heading displayed onthe user interface; and a create game profile prompt of the game profileheading displayed selectively on the user interface and having aplurality of fields for entering new game data of the gaming rules. 20.The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 19 wherein the pluralityof fields of the create game profile prompt has a description field anda game field.
 21. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 19further comprising an update game profile prompt of the game profileheading displayed selectively on the user interface and having aplurality of fields for entry of data to edit the gaming rules.
 22. Theelectronic gaming system set forth in claim 21 further comprising aclone icon of the administrator tool displayed on the user interface andfor selectively cloning a unique game profile of at least one gameprofile of the game profile heading.
 23. The electronic gaming systemset forth in claim 21 further comprising a delete icon of theadministrator tool displayed on the user interface and for selectivelydeleting a unique game profile of at least one game profile of the gameprofile heading.
 24. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 19further comprising: the game profile heading having a tournament profilesub-option displayed selectively on the user interface; and a tabletournament field of the plurality of fields of the create game profileprompt for designating tournament play.
 25. The electronic gaming systemset forth in claim 24 further comprising a blind structure prompt of thetournament profile sub-option displayed selectively for tournament playand having a plurality of fields for entering tournament play data ofthe gaming rules.
 26. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 24further comprising a payout structure prompt of the tournament profilesub-option displayed selectively for tournament play and having aplurality of fields for entering tournament play data of the gamingrules.
 27. The electronic gaming system set forth in claim 24 furthercomprising a rake structure prompt of the tournament profile sub-optiondisplayed selectively for tournament play and having a plurality offields for entering tournament play data of the gaming rules.
 28. Theelectronic gaming system set forth in claim 1 further comprising: atiming profile of the at least one gaming type associated with events ineach respective one of the plurality of games that are timed; a jackpotprofile of the at least one gaming type associated with monetaryparameters regarding a jackpot of each respective one of the pluralityof games; and a game profile of the at least one gaming type associatedwith the creation and storing of a new game of the plurality of games.29. A method of operating an administrator tool for controlling aplurality of games comprising the steps of: activating a computer of agaming system; displaying the administrator tool on a user interface ofthe computer; selecting one of a plurality of gaming profile headingsdisplayed in an options field of the administrator tool; selecting aunique profile of one of the plurality of profile headings from aplurality of lists selectively displayed in an information field of theadministrator tool for editing or deleting.
 30. The method of operatingthe administrator tool set forth in claim 29 comprising the further stepof selecting a delete icon displayed in a tool bar field of theadministrator tool for deleting the selected unique profile.
 31. Themethod of operating the administrator tool set forth in claim 29comprising the further steps of: creating a new timing profile of theplurality of profile headings by selecting a refresh icon displayed in atool bar field of the administrator tool before selecting the uniqueprofile, wherein the unique profile selected is an event from an eventslist of the plurality of lists; filling in data fields including a newfile name in a time prompt automatically displayed as a result ofselecting the unique event; and selecting a refresh icon displayed in atool bar field of the administrator tool.
 32. The method of operatingthe administrator tool set forth in claim 29 comprising the furthersteps of: creating a new unique profile by selecting one of a jackpotprofile heading and a game profile heading of the plurality of profileheadings without selecting any one of the unique profiles in theplurality of lists; displaying a respective prompt of the selected oneof the jackpot profile heading and the game profile heading by theadministrator tool; and filling in data fields of the respective prompt.33. The method of operating the administrator tool set forth in claim 29comprising the further steps of: editing the selected unique profile byselecting a refresh icon displayed in a tool bar field of theadministrator tool before selecting the unique profile, wherein theunique profile selected is a timing event from a timing events list ofthe plurality of lists; filling in data fields, without including a newfile name, in a time prompt automatically displayed as a result ofselecting the unique event; and selecting a refresh icon displayed in atool bar field of the administrator tool.
 34. The method of operatingthe administrator tool set forth in claim 29 comprising the furthersteps of: editing the selected unique profile wherein the selectedunique profile is a jackpot profile selected from a jackpot list of theplurality of lists; and filling in data fields of a jackpot promptdisplayed by the administrator tool as a result of selecting the uniqueprofile.
 35. The method of operating the administrator tool set forth inclaim 29 comprising the further steps of: editing the selected uniqueprofile wherein the selected unique profile is a game profile selectedfrom a jackpot list of the plurality of lists; displaying gameparameters of the game profile in the information field; selecting anupdate icon in an options field of the user interface; and filling indata fields of a game prompt displayed by the administrator tool as aresult of selecting the update icon.